Orange hard hat with rays above it, surrounded by the text "Together We R.I.S.E." in blue and orange letters.
White logo of the National Apprentice Employment Network with stylized circular design above the organization's name, displayed on a light background.
Orange hard hat with rays above it, surrounded by the text "Together We R.I.S.E." in blue and orange letters.
White logo of the National Apprentice Employment Network with stylized circular design above the organization's name, displayed on a light background.

Pillar Two

RISE & Shine.A community for women apprentices.

Because every woman in the trades deserves a network that has her back.

Across Australia, women are stepping into workshops, mine sites and fabrication floors, bringing talent, courage, and fresh ideas to industries that need them.

But too often, even today, they’re still the only woman in the room.

 

RISE & Shine changes that.

Register your Interest

Created by the National Apprentice Employment Network (NAEN) through the Together We RISE program, this first-of-its-kind network connects women apprentices, mentors and leaders from across the country to share experiences, build confidence, and create real change where it’s needed most — on site, in workshops and within organisations.

Right now, our pilot cohort of 30 women apprentices — supported by seven Champion GTOs across Australia — are laying the groundwork.

They include women like the fitter working 800 metres underground as the only woman in a 135-person crew, and another who waited ten years to start her trade because she thought she was “too old”.

In RISE & Shine, they’re finding each other — and a community that sees, celebrates and supports them.

It really does take a village — and ours is growing

Register Your Interest
Illustrated infographic titled "Your Journey with RISE & Shine" shows challenges for women apprentices and how a support network helps them connect, belong, and thrive in their industries.

Hard Hat Huddles

Every woman in trades deserves a space where she can drop the armour and talk about what really matters.

Hard Hat Huddles are monthly online peer circles, led by brilliant tradeswomen who’ve walked the path before — like Louise Azzopardi, a diesel mechanic and world champion heavy-vehicle technician, Ashley Belteky, a heavy automotive tech passionate about everyday leadership, and Hannah Legg, who brings lessons from high-pressure engineering environments.

Together, these facilitators guide sessions blending mentorship and professional development — tackling everything from advice and feedback to money maths, resilience and confidence on the job.
Each Huddle builds community and career strength, month by month.

LAUNCHED OCTOBER 2025

Turn the Tables

Our reverse-mentoring program flips the script. Apprentices become the mentors, guiding industry leaders on what inclusion really looks like.
These conversations are shifting culture from the inside out — reminding leaders that change starts with listening.

LIVE NOW

Understanding Reverse Mentoring

TRADITIONAL MENTORING:

Knowledge flows DOWN ↓

Senior person teaches

Focus : Career Advancement
Reinforces power structures
Advice-giving
REVERSE MENTORING:
Knowledge flows UP ↑

Junior person teaches

Focus : Organisational Advancement

Disrupts power structures
Experience Sharing

Apprentice Assembly

A national gathering of women in trades.
In 2026, apprentices from every corner of Australia will come together to celebrate, share learnings, and launch RISE & Shine nationwide.

It will be a moment of pride, connection and momentum — the start of a movement built by women, for women.

FAQs

Questions? We have the answers.

Register Your Interest

 For Apprentices

Your Title Goes Here

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

What is it RISE & Shine?
RISE & Shine is Australia’s first national network designed just for women apprentices in trades. It’s a community where you can connect with other women, share your experiences, and build confidence through mentorship, learning and real conversations.
How Does it Work?
You’ll join a journey that includes monthly online sessions, local meet-ups, and one national gathering. It’s built around practical support and peer connection — not extra stress.
What will I be part of?

Hard Hat Huddles – Monthly online circles led by experienced tradeswomen.

Voice from Site – In-person gatherings that bring apprentices, GTOs and host employers together to share stories and ideas.

Apprentice Assembly (mid-2026) – A national event celebrating women in trades and shaping the next chapter of RISE & Shine.

Who runs it?
The network is led by the National Apprentice Employment Network (NAEN) with support from partner organisations and inspiring tradeswomen mentors across Australia.
Which trades are included?

It’s open to all women in male-dominated apprenticeships: electrical, mechanical, fabrication, carpentry, automotive, construction and more.

Do I need to pay?
No. RISE & Shine is completely free for women apprentices.
When can I join?
The pilot group is already underway with seven Champion GTOs. The national rollout opens mid-2026 for all NAEN member GTOs — register your interest now to join the next cohort!
Why should I join?
Because it’s not just about surviving your trade — it’s about thriving in it. You’ll meet women who get it, learn from tradeswomen who’ve been there, and help make the future of trades more inclusive for everyone.

For GTOs

Your Title Goes Here

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

What is the RISE & Shine Network?
RISE & Shine is a structured, evidence-based women’s apprenticeship network that helps GTOs improve retention, belonging and gender equity outcomes for women in trades.
How does my GTO get involved?
From mid-2026, all NAEN member GTOs can register their women apprentices for participation in the network and nominate a local champion to stay connected to national updates.
What’s included for our apprentices?
  • Monthly facilitated Hard Hat Huddles
  • Regional Voice from Site connection events
  • The national Apprentice Assembly celebration and learning event

 

What are the benefits for our GTO?
  • Demonstrates leadership in gender equity and workforce development
  • Strengthens retention and wellbeing of women apprentices
  • Builds your capability through participation in a Champions Community of Practice
  • Aligns with government and industry diversity targets
What support will NAEN provide?
NAEN will manage the logistics, curriculum, facilitation and communications for the network, while keeping GTOs informed and involved through quarterly briefings and shared insights.
When does the next intake start?
The pilot runs through mid-2026. Expressions of interest for national participation will open ahead of the official national launch in July 2026.

How Our Pillars Work

Foundations & Framework

Led by WAVE - Women in Adult and Vocational Education

Learn About Pillar One

Connection & Community

Led by NAEN

Capability & Culture

Led by Kangan Institute and Australian Workers Union

Learn About Pillar Three

The Impact

What the World Looks Like After RISE: A Stronger, Safer, Smarter

Learn About Our RISE Impact

This is your network. Your story. Your future.

Let’s RISE & Shine together.

Join the next chapter

This is just the beginning.

From mid-2026, RISE & Shine will open to all NAEN women apprentices across Australia.
If you’re ready to connect, learn and grow alongside other women blazing trails in the trades — register your interest today.
Because when women rise together, the whole industry shines.

Register your Interest